Daniel

Orton

Given the fact the playoffs are looming, and that he had X-rays (negative), our guess is he won’t play in Thursday’s finale. Daniel Orton started the second half, while Earl Clark should also see extra minutes on Thursday.

We see almost no way Davis plays in Thursday’s finale at Memphis, so Orton, who had eight points and five boards on 4-of-5 shooting in 22 minutes tonight, should get another start. Earl Clark is also worth fantasy consideration, but had just eight points and one rebound in 17 minutes tonight.

Despite Anderson saying that his sprain was in a “good spot,” he won’t be playing on Tuesday. Glen Davis could slide into Anderson’s starting spot if Dwight Howard (back) is able to play, otherwise the Magic will have to get creative with the lineup and we could see increased minutes for Earl Clark or Daniel Orton.

Orton has struggled badly in a backup role behind Glen Davis over the last three games. After Saturday’s loss, Van Gundy said that Orton “gave us nothing” and added that the center needs “to be a lot more disciplined.” Even if Dwight Howard gets traded this summer, it’s hard to see Van Gundy giving the raw Orton a major role. The 21-year-old needs a ton more seasoning.

Davis appeared to hurt his right ankle when he came down on Antawn Jamison foot. He was down no the floor in pain for a minute or two before limping off under his own power to the locker room. Daniel Orton replaced Davis in the lineup with Dwight Howard (back) likely done for the regular season.

Dwight Howard (back) is likely done for the regular season and Glen Davis hyperextended his knee in the first quarter Sunday. Therefore, Orton logged 28 minutes off the bench and could be in line for some starts at center going forward. The 21-year-old Kentucky product is extremely raw and appeared in his 10th NBA game Sunday, but he is athletic at 6-10/255. Deep leaguers should take notice of the situation.

Turkoglu needed this game to start getting his wind back, and he’ll be entering the playoffs pretty cold in conditioning terms. None of the Magic’s key guys played tonight, so starting teammates Von Wafer scored 11 points with three rebounds, two assists, and two steals in 41 minutes, Chris Duhon put up five points with three assists, Earl Clark had eight points with nine rebounds, one steal, and four blocks, and Daniel Orton scored seven points with two rebounds, a steal, and two blocks.

Davis said after Monday’s game that he expects to play against his former squad, and while he’ll certainly be motivated to give it a go, it’s not certain that he’ll be on the floor. “We don’t know how long it’ll be,” Stan Van Gundy said. Big Baby should be owned in all formats despite dealing with his current knee ailment. Earl Clark, who had 14 points and 11 rebounds on Monday, would hold appeal in deeper leagues if Davis is sidelined again Wednesday.

Davis has no structural damage in his knee and is just working through some soreness. He did say Monday night that he expects to play on Wednesday, but the team is playing it closer to the vest. We’ll know more after the morning shootaround. Third-string center Daniel Orton had just six points, six rebounds and one block as the starter Monday.

Davis’ MRI brought good news as he was officially a game-time call for this one. But considering it’s just one day removed from the injury, there’s likely too much soreness. Raw prospect Daniel Orton is drawing the start with Dwight Howard (back) also sidelined. Orton had five steals and three blocks in 28 minutes off the bench on Sunday.